Cool News
So Brett Ratner's Looking To Make A HERCULES Movie...
Merrick here...
I've never been a big fan of Brett Ratner. In general, I find his films lifeless, styleless, and tepid. I did enjoy THE FAMILY MAN and TOWER HEIST quite a bit, although I suspect something happened behind the scenes on those pictures to lessen Ratner's ultimate influence on them. To be clear, I have no actual knowledge of this whatsoever. I'm just voicing a suspicion, based on how un-Ratnery they feel on the whole.
As such, it is bittersweet interest that I learned the following: seems the mighty and awesome Dwayne Johnson is in talks to star in a HERCULES film for Brett Ratner. The Ryan Condol-scripted project would be an adaptation of the 2008 graphic novel HERCULES: THE THRACIAN WARS. More via THIS piece in Variety.
I sure do love Dwayne Johnson's appearances in...just about anything. He's got a classic and rare charisma which works wonders for nearly any scene he's in. This said, I kinda wish someone other than Ratner were making this film with Johnson. It doesn't feel like a fit for Ratner (but what is?). The turgid and awkward X-MEN: THE LAST STAND fully demonstrated that mega-sized movies might not be the director's strong suit. Of course, that film drew in nearly $500 million globally, so quality and ability really don't necessarily play into such equations.
Hercules was famously brought to the screen by Steve Reeves in the 1950s, and more recently realized by Kevin Sorbo on the HERCULES: THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS television series. For my money, once the great Lou Ferrigno played the role in 1983, no other Hercules project could possibly compare. You can interpret this last comment in any number of ways, and most likely all of them would be at least partially correct.
--- follow Merrick on Twitter ! ---
Readers Talkback
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I was never into wrestling but he is charismatic and fun to watch onscreen
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Rush Hour. Everything else has either bee trash or basic and bland. I don't understand how he is still making movies.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 10:40 a.m. CST
Can we now say that Dwayne has officially replaced Arnold?
by Jaster Mareel
I think that handoff in The Rundown has turned prophetic. Definitely won't see this in the theater but I might rent it at some point.
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It was called Thor.
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Tapping Olivia Munn's bootyful ass ... Lucky motherfucker. No one will ever forgive him for the shit that is X3.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 10:52 a.m. CST
So I'm Looking Not To Watch A Brett Ratner HERCULES Movie...
by HSStudios
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Brett and Keanu are talentless hacks who happened to get lucky and make a movie that made money After that, the machine took over, and is still going ....
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the rock could be massive, I enjoy watching him on screen but he just seems to follow checks rather than good/ risky work. This smells like cheese thanks to ratner's involvement. The rock needs to seek out talented/ unknown directors on the edge. and get help/advice when it comes to his film choices.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 11:08 a.m. CST
I feel like the Rock has missed his potential slightly
by WINONA_RYDERS_PUSSY_JUICE
I'd be pulling for this movie to be a big hit.
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That seemed like a good Thomas Crown/Bond worthy film. X3 isn't the travesty that everyone makes it out to be. It's irrational in the same way people hate Affleck. In regard to his new Hercule's take...I only hope that the Rock sports a very Steve Reeve's Hercule's beard. Hercule's ought to always have a Steve Reeve's-esque beard. He is NOT Kevin Sorbo's clean shaven in looks.
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was a childhood disappointment. I wanted to see something like "Clash of the Titans", but instead of some awesome Harryhausen-esque monsters, Hercules fought wind-up Zoids. Another wasted afternoon thanks to Showtime and my 9-year-old self's inability to turn off the television.
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cause you know, he's not a faggot etc!
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Feb. 24, 2012, 11:25 a.m. CST
Anytime a witless, talentless boor "talks" his way into Hollywood with shitty grades and half a degree, you can safely assume there was a whole lotta dick-sucking going on.
by Pvt. Duke
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Hollywood douchebag. Don't take it from me, just read the man's quotes.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 11:31 a.m. CST
How could you dislike After The Sunset? Salma Hayek's cleavage should've had their own screen credit.
by openthepodbaydoorshal
The only other movies that were as cleave-notized, IMO, is The Rocketeer and the second Matrix. The problem with Ratner is that even his absolute best movies are nothing more than mildly entertaining. His worst are just plain bad. Rush Hour 3? Huh? Why? Wha?
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seeing how they pimp the crap out of a lot of sub-par movies once the check clears. "The turgid and awkward X-Men: The Last Stand..."? Um...did you see Singer's X-Men? Lifeless.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 11:33 a.m. CST
That means . . . three other Hercules movies will be announced
by kabong
One of them will be set in contemporary Los Angeles and Adam Sandler will be attached but the star will eventually be an actor from a little-known comedy TV series. <p> That's my prediction, and you can take it to the bank.
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retarded losers who think a character piece is anything with a funny ha-ha moment and a wink at the camera. and btw, Tower Heist was crap. The whole car on the side of the building reminded me of a quote Kevin Costner made in JFK... "The government says it can prove it with some fancy physics in a nuclear lab. Of course they can. Theoretical physics can prove an elephant can hang from a cliff with his tail tied to a daisy. But use your eyes, your common sense."
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I love the Rock, think he's got awesome charm, but damn his agent should be fired. He has picked the lamest ass roles. They are just so dumb. His fast five was good, and his original cameo in Get Shorty (I think) where he played the gay guy was hilarious. He just needs the right roles. Hercules, in the hands of a proper script and director, could be perfect for him. we shall just see I guess. For sure rooting for the guy.
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Hollywood A-Hole Hollywood Scum Bucket Hollywood Hack Did I miss anything?
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http://www.paintinghere.com/painting/Hercules_and_Cacus_26629.html
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Hercules.
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I don't understand the hatred for Ratner? The man makes a living making highly commercial films that tend to make money. If I'm investing in a highle commercial film, I want a director with a track record of providing a good return on investment. Ratner might not be the "artist" you geeks want him to be, but he isnt being hired to make that type of film. Ratner is being hired to make films that speak to the greatest amount of people possible. I have a sneaky suspicion that many of you geeks would have a change of heart if it was your money on the line. It's easy to criticize a film/director for not being "geeky" enough when you have don't have anything invested. There are plenty of directors out there that make the type of films that many of you folks are looking for, so why your time crucifing the man for making his style of film...no matter how "lifeless, styless and tepid" they might be.
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C'mon, make it happen. It could probably be done pretty inexpensively. Ramp up the gore and violence and you've got yourself a winner!!!
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Feb. 24, 2012, 11:49 a.m. CST
Yeah, well this project will keep the kid busy so he isn't messing with the truly important franchises for another 2 years
by Ali Kerim Bey
It's not that he's bad, it's that he's average at best. While I wasn't in the room when Fox offered him a directing gig, I'd imagine a director with true integrity would say, "you know, I'm not sure that X-Men 3 is the right project for me, someone else might be a bit more appropriate for the job."
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Sorbo is the best Hercules with Ferigno and Swartzenegger a close second.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 11:58 a.m. CST
AICN-the place where Ratner is a hack and Peter Berg is auteur material
by Samuel Fulmer
Can't wait for Battleship, right guys? Hope we get 50 more articles about it before it.....launches...
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Agreed - I'm not convinced X3 was his fault, as I understood it they were so far along in production when Vaughn walked that they just needed someone to come in and get it out the door in time for the release date, so Ratner couldn't have affected the story if he'd wanted. I could be wrong. He's a competent director, I just wouldn't say he was much of an artist.
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Also used the line "Fuckin' Prawns" to great comic effect 20 years before District 9
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Yes well said about Ratner. Not every director has to be an "artist". Many of them just have no vision or talent but are good craftsfman at turning out technically competent films that make a profit for their employers. Ratner is one of these...sure he's probably a hollywood douche to some degree but nothing wrong with doing coke and hookers,or at least it shouldn't anger anyone else.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 12:03 p.m. CST
Ratner's fims are stylish and flow with energy. That's why he's sucessful
by Proman1984
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no matter how you look at it. So not every director has to be an Artist is the new defence...? I bet Ratner thinks he's an artist! The fact that people are not blaming him for making a mess of his movies is incredible! He's a biggotted douche on top of it all too!
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...did you see where this guy is starring as Alex Cross? Who in their right mind watches the original Freeman movies and says, "We need to reboot these with a young Morgan Freeman, someone like....Tyler Perry!"
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This guys sure makes millions, but boy does he churn out the most vomit inducing shit I've ever seen!
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Ratner was thrust into production on Last Stand weeks before cameras rolled, when Vaughn had "family issues" "flying issues" or which ever story you want to believe. I challenge anyone to step into directing a film that's already in production a month before shooting and hit a home run. Love it or hate it, he took a swing at a difficult situation. But the suggestion that Brett had nothing to do with the quality of Tower Heist, is astounding. It was his passion project that he pushed forward for years to get made. Anyone with the slightest connection (ie, actually working in the industry) knows this. You may dislike the guy. And his movies, but it's complete talkback flame fodder to not even give the guy credit on a movie you enjoyed when it's due.
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There. That's the movie.
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'Nuff said.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 12:29 p.m. CST
As long as they make Hercules the real lunk-head that he is in mythology..
by Dr_PepperSpray
And not Theseus, which is how he's portrayed in modern media. <P> Look it up Kids.
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Somebody had to say it.
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He doesn't believe he's just a director for hire. The man actually thinks he's brilliant.
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I think he's great (Faster is very underrated). That said, he's a bit too pretty/modern to be Hercules for me. Im sure they'll change his look up, but the guy jut screams 21st century to me.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 12:35 p.m. CST
d.vader - I fully agree with you - love him or hate him - His movies keep making money
by Mennen
Until that ceases to happen, he will always have a job.
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maybe i'm not gay.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 12:58 p.m. CST
OK im serious, Merrick, Capone, Nordling, Muldoon, anyone know how this basterd gets jobs??? Im serious, anyone know? Is it cuz he is a jew??
by LowDevil
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he is good at his job...he gets scripts and a budget and shoots the movies the studios want...he doesnt have the talent to elevate bad material or does he care whether his movies are good or not..he wants to get paid and laid..hes not an artist and he probably doesnt care...and whats with all the rock love...he is terrible in everything!
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Seriously. When baby Hercules grabs those awesomely fake "serpents" and chokes them with the lighting effects and hokey synth laser "zap" sounds - I love the Ferigno Hercules movies. I mean giant stop-motion mechanical baddies? Lou Ferigno with a voice-dub? A female Daedalus? (not sure if its a guy or a girl but I think it's supposed to be a guy)...a Zeus with a worse wig than any cheesy mall Santa you've ever seen? That was genius. And worthy of inclusion in the "WTF Hollywood" threads...the movie is LEGENDARY!
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Hercules is forced to return to Earth from Mt. Olympus in the year 2012 to face some unspeakable evil, but before he can do that he has to survive modern-day Los Angeles and his crazy-but-streetwise new sidekick, played by Chris Tucker or possibly Martin Lawrence!
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Feb. 24, 2012, 1:15 p.m. CST
CORRECTION: Brett Ratner appears to be making a shitty Hercules movie
by Mickster_Island
You know Chris Tucker's watching the phone. He's got a great idea for a kooky, racist sidekick.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 1:16 p.m. CST
I like Dwayne Johnson (what's not to like?) but Brett Ratner? Not so much.
by ChickenStu
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Feb. 24, 2012, 1:17 p.m. CST
I left my response to the TP question in the last talkback.
by Tikidonkeypunch
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Feb. 24, 2012, 1:18 p.m. CST
The Rock and the Rat teaming up for the upteenth version of Hercules.
by Tikidonkeypunch
Why don't they be original and do an Icarus movie?
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Biggest pile of dumb-fuck decision making in the last while. They speak to the fact that there was no budget for the Phoenix to do her thing and yet they make Magneto move an entire fucking bridge and for what fucking purpose? You have Colossus in the same movie as Juggernaut and they pair off Juggy with fucking KITTY PRIDE. A final battle that was just fucking embarrassing (Iceman finishes Pyro off with a HEAD-BUTT?) It's just a big fucking waste of opportunity from the top on down. So YES, it's the FUCKING TRAVESTY that it's made out to be when it pisses away epic material from the comic that COULD have been adapted gold. Fuck Ratner. Fuck Fox. (Although I quite enjoyed Family Man, Ratner is still an EPIC Cunt)
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I just fell in love with it you see...
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saves lives.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 1:49 p.m. CST
I actually didn't know about that Lou Ferrigno incarnation
by moonlightdrive
These are the moments that make coming to AICN so rewarding.
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It's like an adult given someone's baby to hold. The person holding the baby then jokes around the whole time, and comes pretty close to dropping the kid several times - maybe even doing it once or twice. And afterwards, he makes a comment saying "oh, baby carriers are for f***." Thus sticking to his mediocre ways instead of at least trying a mature process that might lead to better results. If Ratner went the extra creative mile with his projects -- turning them from average to good -- then people wouldn't have too much of a problem with him. However, not only is his name synonymous with turning out average products, but he angers fans further by having a cheeky demeanor and appearing to have an ultra-cavalier attitude on set. Then, to make matters worse he says "rehearsing is for f***." Whether rehearsing is a sure method for a better film or not, it seems that Ratner is fine with average and has a frat-boy attitude to anything that might be a "grown-up" process. Joke around all you want, as long as you're giving audiences something great. Give audiences crap too many times, and they'll hate you even if you even tell a chicken-cross-road joke while you should be busy making a better film!
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I loved how he totally had that Pee-wee Herman from "Big Adventure" hotel clerk scene overdubbed voice. But the Lou Ferigno Hercules were the true gems of holyshitwtf-filmmaking! That was like '79 I think too - either just before or after "Pumping Iron" was released I believe (where they spoke of the rivalry between Ferigno and Schwarzenegger - good stuff!)
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Feb. 24, 2012, 2:07 p.m. CST
Fuck This! The Rock can only play Elvis type macho bad asses, playing some antediluvian demi-god is ridiculous for him. For shame, idiots!
by NataliePortmans9inchTurd
Bitch.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 2:11 p.m. CST
Ratner's fims are stylish and flow with energy.
by openthepodbaydoorshal
Is today opposite day?
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what movie has the rock been in that has proved he is a good actor? he's a supporting role at best.
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It's either Bizzarro Talkback or Ratner is posting that shite himself.
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For those who don't know he plays Crixus in the critically acclaimed series Spartacus.
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First Class, Rise of the Apes, The Chronicle, Prometheus (looks very promising) they are kicking ass and taking names right now. This isn't the Fox of 5 years ago.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 2:39 p.m. CST
smilingpsycho, I never thought the Rock was a good actor
by Joe Plumber
but he does have charisma and I guess that is all it takes to be an action star. I mean when Vin Diesel acts you under the table, you can't be that great. Both, Arnold and Stallone aren't great actors either but they've created some iconic characters.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 2:40 p.m. CST
ood. Let him waste time on this crap, rather than ruin a good property
by Cobb05
Rated is an ok director. He can't tell a story to save his life, but he knows how to make a bland studio movie, that the studio wants and will make a profit. He's got no originality or vision. And I'm glad he gave the dictator herpes.
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Bring back Kevin Sorbo and I will be all over this. I'm not even joking.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 2:52 p.m. CST
For my sins, i did enjoyed The Family Man, against my better judgement.
by AsimovLives
And i don't have negative things to say about RED DRAGON, nothing of importance and of note. I´ll probably go to hell for that. Or purgatory, if the catholics are correct. But otherwise, man, Brett Ratner's career is made of arse! What a bad director this guy is. And by all accounts, a major douchebag in real life. Swell!
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Feb. 24, 2012, 2:54 p.m. CST
Dwane Johnson as Hercules? Pretty good choice, if you ask me.
by AsimovLives
So much better then Kevin fucking Sorbo, that's for sure!
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The cast of SPARTACUS Tv show look like romana nd greek status made flesh. Those guys would all be great in some epic movie about the Trojan war, each playing the greek and trojan heroes of the tale. The Ashu guy could play Odisseus, since he is so good at playing scheming and planing. And he's rip too.
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... Manu Benneth is kicking my ass in SPARTACUS VENGENCE. His Crixus is now my favorite character in the show. The character gaine such an upgrade in all levels (smarts, eloquence, character, sympathy) and the actor is playing the character with such gusto, it's a joy to behold. Hell, everybody is great in the show!
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You sure can! Someone used the term "Cunthammer" and for the life of me I can't remember where I saw that.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 3:10 p.m. CST
And it will look just like Wrath of the Titans, Clash of the Titans and The Immortals...
by ZodNotGod
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
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Would have worked much better as a drama/heist flick, with a few re-writes to make Alan Alda meaner and Eddie more violent. Great score though!
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Feb. 24, 2012, 3:12 p.m. CST
For anyone doubting The Rock's acting ability- check out FASTER....
by ZodNotGod
Fantastic flick with a fantastic performance by Dwayne!
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Feb. 24, 2012, 3:15 p.m. CST
Tower Heist's problems are not really because of Ratner, it's just not funny.
by ZodNotGod
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Feb. 24, 2012, 3:21 p.m. CST
The Immortal Wrath of Hercules Carter(coz he missed out on Conan) in Persia Rises!
by cameron
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Feb. 24, 2012, 3:22 p.m. CST
He's not going to base it on the cartoon? No ring? No Newton and the evil Notwen?
by tangcameo
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Good to see the love for FASTER.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 3:42 p.m. CST
watch hercules II if you wanna see an hilarious piece of shit.
by alienindisguise
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Lucy Lawless is whipping them out on cable. Couldn't hurt to add them to the cast.
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Period.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 4:18 p.m. CST
Johnson will drop out before it's produced - he'll be replaced by either Ryan Reynolds or Seth Rogan
by DoctorTom
the direct to DVD sequel will have Dolph Lundgren instead.
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god awful movie.
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Really?
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Looking very much forward to the new one. My wife was never interested in Trek at all til she watched it. Very well done. Also, Tower Heist was a load of fun. Eddie Murphy was back in fine form.
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Huh? The Rock as....Hercules? I've got to say, never would have occured to me as a casting director. The fundamental problem with this is not his charisma or acting ability - he's shown he can act just fine, albeit not oscar quality, but still. He's got charisma in spades. I like the guy. HOWEVER.... the man couldn't pass for Greek / Roman if his life depended on it. He simply isn't physically someone who fits the bill - mostly in the facial/cranial structure. He looks like a big samoan dude. Because he is. Samoan and black. suffice it to say, he bears no resemblance to the statues, carvings, paintings of Heracles/Hercules. He is just. clearly. Not. from that part of the world, ethnically. It's like casting a caucasian man to play the first emperor of China. Or a black man to play Aristotle. Ok, I know, I know, Hercules was a demigod - descended from Zeus himself. So not technically one ethnicity or another. Strictly adhering to what we see in the ancient greek and roman depictions of the mythological character, though, the gods AND demigods looked more European (specifically from southern Europe) than anything else - they were, unsurprisingly, modeled after the people who conjured them up. Kind of like how most westerners have a rather caucasian looking man in mind for Jesus, when he would have been a bit darker in skin and hair at that place and time. That is, if you buy into religion. That said...I'd still go to see the movie. Because I like the Rock. He's just a likeable guy. He's good in what he appears in, for the most part, especially considering he started out as a wrestler. He'll never quite be an Arnold replacement for me, but he works as an Arnold "patch". ;) RATNER is what worries me about this more so than the appearance of Johnson.
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Sorry, but The Rock isn't the next Arnold. Arnold was box office gold during the 80s. He could make any movie a blockbuster. The Rock like Vin Deisel are just pretenders and still cannot consistently open a movie other than The Fast and the Furious movies and pick a lot of crap. I like The Rock, but he picks a lot of shit movies and still is not a huge box office draw. He is more like Jean Claude Van Damme than Arnold in his ability to open a movie and picking scripts. Personally, I don't know if anyone will actually replace Arnold. This is a different era. Actors are almost irrelevant. CGI is the box office draw to most big action movies in the summer, not muscle-bound action stars.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 6:20 p.m. CST
nightarrows, you are most kind sir. I offer you the term "cumdumpster" in return.
by ChickenStu
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Maciste, I gather, is Italy's very own mythical strong man. A lot of those Italian sword and sandal movies from the early 60s are about Maciste, but when the movies were dubbed into english he was given names like Samson, Goliath, Atlas, and even Hercules.
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Newton! That's me! That's me!
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It's fine by me.
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Feb. 24, 2012, 8:12 p.m. CST
Untalented people are going to get big gigs in Hollywood, face it.
by Mugato5150
Whether it's the douche who directs Rush Hour 7 or the twat who writes Transformers 2, let them do their thing and learn to do something with a skillset. You might not make as much but you'll always have a gig.
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He actually made a better Hannibal Lecter-movie than Ridley Scott did
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because Conan did so well at the box office
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He would invade the Amazons and say stuff like VERY NIIIIICCCCE!
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although there have been some italian b-movies of that era about Herakles.
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That's debatable.
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Feb. 25, 2012, 6:04 a.m. CST
I'd rather Ratner occupy himself with this goofy project, rather....
by Orbots Commander
...than have him ruin a truly good property. So yeah, more power to you doing a Dwayne Johnson-Hercules movie, Brett; I hope you get chained to it for ten more sequels.
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Feb. 25, 2012, 1:04 p.m. CST
google69, the script for Red Dragon was so damn good NO ONE could've fucked it up! With such a great script and cast - all you need is to point the camera and say ACTION!
by ChickenStu
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His penis is too small and he's gay.
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Tires squealing on grass = Awesome
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Feb. 26, 2012, 12:40 p.m. CST
No, Rock! Get on the phone to Marvel and play Submariner instead.
by Mr Nicholas
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... then fine, keep him relegated to mouth-breathing, weightless fare like Rush Hour and all of its puerile spawn. Please keep him away from any movies in the Geek Genres - including, but not limited to: science-fiction, action-adventure, fantasy, horror, thriller, and mystery... encompassing any combinations of said genres, along with their sub-genres (space opera, comic-book, animation, etc.). I never again want to be sitting in a movie theater watching a geek movie and seeing that smarmy, fat-ass, d-bag frat boy's name in the credits.
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